NSWOCC Fellowship Program
Recognizing select individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the tri-specialty of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care
The NSWOCC Fellowship Program is a formal recognition of excellence within the tri-specialty of wound, ostomy, and continence nursing. Grounded in a commitment to high standards, evidence-based practice, and professional leadership, the program celebrates individuals whose careers reflect exceptional and sustained contributions to clinical practice, education, research, and policy.
Launched in May 2024, the Fellowship represents an important milestone for NSWOCC in acknowledging and honouring outstanding achievement while reinforcing a culture of excellence across the profession.
About the NSWOCC Fellowship Program
Fellowship is the highest honour bestowed by NSWOCC and is reserved for Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs) who have had a significant and measurable impact on advancing the specialty. Fellows are not self-nominated; rather, they are identified and selected based on outstanding practice, leadership, and influence. Through their work, Fellows have shaped standards of care, contributed to national and international guidelines, advanced education and research, and strengthened the voice of the tri-specialty within healthcare systems.
As role models and mentors, NSWOCC Fellows represent both the legacy and future of specialized wound, ostomy, and continence nursing in Canada. Their collective wisdom, experience, and leadership serve as a vital resource to NSWOCC and the broader nursing community. As the Fellowship Program grows, Fellows will continue to inspire excellence, support the next generation of nurses, and help shape the future of patient-centred, evidence-informed care across the continuum.
Nominate a Fellow
Nominations Deadline: March 15, 2026
Do you know a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence who has made a significant impact on the specialty?
The NSWOCC Fellowship (FNSWOC) Program recognizes excellence at various levels, from local to international, through demonstration of leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing practices in wound, ostomy, and continence care.
Nomination Eligibility:
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Nominees must be members of NSWOCC and certified in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing through the Canadian Nurses Association.
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Nominees must have a minimum of ten years of clinical practice, leadership, education and/or research in the fields of wound, ostomy and/or continence.
Criteria for Prospective Fellows:
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Demonstration of outstanding individual professional and leadership contributions in wound, ostomy and continence nursing (clinical practice, policy, education, research and/or administration), with impact on improvement of wound, ostomy and continence nursing at the international, national, provincial, and regional/local levels.
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Evidence that these contributions have been translated into clinical practice, policy, education, research and/or administration in a meaningful way.
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Formal recognition for these contributions (e.g., substantive and prestigious honours, appointments, or awards).
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Evidence of leadership in activities that have had an impact on wound, ostomy and continence nursing, health, or health care (e.g., research, innovations or developments in clinical practice, policy, education, research and/or administration).
Fellowship Objectives
Recognize Excellence
Acknowledge and honor NSWOCs who have exhibited outstanding dedication and contributions within NSWOCC and the wound, ostomy and continence nursing specialty.
Promote Leadership
Foster leadership skills and empower Fellows to take on prominent roles in healthcare organizations, education, research, and policy development.
Advance Scholarship
Encourage scholarly activities and research within the wound, ostomy and continence nursing field, contributing to the body of knowledge and evidence-based practices.
Enhance Membership Engagement
Engage Fellows in actively supporting and mentoring fellow NSWOCC Members, thereby strengthening the organization.
Improve Quality
Leverage the expertise of Fellows to drive quality initiatives and improvements in wound, ostomy and continence nursing practice and healthcare systems.
Fellowship fees
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Initial submission: $275.00 CDN
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Annual fees for Fellowship title: $50.00 CDN plus NSWOCC Membership o $100.00 plus the JWOCN mandatory fee of $46.00 (if not receiving the JWOCN from the WOCN directly).
Fellow Responsibilities
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Attend the Fellowship induction ceremony held during the annual NSWOCC conference
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Nominate at minimum one qualified applicant for Fellowship each year
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Further the mission, vision, and values of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC)
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Participate in and contribute to NSWOCC activities as called upon
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Provide advisory input to NSWOCC as requested
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Act as a mentor and resource for new NSWOCs and future NSWOC leaders
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Foster healthcare provider knowledge through sharing experience and professional role modelling (e.g., joining committees, conducting research, participating in guideline and standards development, providing leadership through professional associations, and leading programs)
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Advocate for evidence-based, patient-centred wound, ostomy and continence care
